State Mileage Reimbursement for Montana (MT) Employees

With the high cost of operating an automobile, and many of us having to travel for work I was curious to see how employers were compensating for the increased travel expenses. I was surprised to learn that there is no law in Massachusetts that requires employers to pay a certain mileage rate. In my research I found that the only laws governing reimbursement for mileage are with regard to employees of the state, and claimants of Workers Compensation benefits.

The State of Montana has fairly strict policies with regard to state travel. They discourage employees using their own vehicles for business purposes unless absolutely necessary. There are also three different rates used to determine reimbursement for mileage. These are referred to as the standard, high and low rates. The high rate is the amount set forth by the IRS. The standard rate is calculated by taking 48.15 percent of the high rate rounded to the nearest half cent. The department head determines the rate at which you are to be paid, however if eligible for the high rate you may only receive it for the first 1000 miles traveled per month.

There are also several exclusions to the Workers Compensation claimants right to travel reimbursement. Travel to a medical provider within the claimants’ community (15 miles) is excluded. The first 100 miles of travel are excluded each month. If a claimant travels outside their community to seek treatment when a reasonable alternative is available, that is also excluded. Personal automobile mileage expenses are paid at the same rates that state employees are reimbursed, at the discretion of the insurer.

If you don’t regularly travel for work it would be a good idea to ask your employer what their policies are and how you will be compensated for your travels. By law your employer is required to pay you for your travel time.

Bookmark the permalink